As the Denver Nuggets get ready for the start of the new NBA season, they have another former MVP on their roster. Denver signed point guard Russell Westbrook this offseason to provide them with an energetic backup point guard.
After trading away guard Reggie Jackson this summer, Denver wanted more firepower coming off their bench. They believe that Westbrook can be the answer to their issues, providing explosiveness whenever on the court.
More news: Russell Westbrook Confirms Goals For First Season With Nuggets: ‘I’m Here to Kick Some Ass’
However, over the last few years, the future Hall-of-Famer has become one of the more controversial players in the entire NBA. His unwillingness to accept his diminished role on whatever team he plays for has caused issues.
But Westbrook seemed to be all smiles during his introductory press conference with the Nuggets. Within he talked up the Nuggets organization for planning to put him into position to succeed due to his unique skillset.
Westbrook also seemed to take a shot at his previous stops, saying that they didn’t use him correctly.
“To be honest, (my skill-set) was unique, they just didn’t put me in position to be unique. I was in a position where I was playing not my position.”
Westbrook also went on to give more praise to Nuggets head coach Michael Malone.
“Coach Malone allowing me to use my speed…”
Russell Westbrook on his unique skill-set and fit in Denver vs. previous stops:
“To be honest, (my skill-set) was unique, they just didn’t put me in position to be unique. I was in a position where I was playing not my position.”
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“Coach Malone allowing me to use my speed…” pic.twitter.com/jyiVM3yVlI
— DNVR Nuggets (@DNVR_Nuggets) September 28, 2024
It has been a rinse-and-repeat situation with Westbrook over the years, with him always blaming others for his struggles. Despite his declining athleticism, Westbrook still has the mindset that he did while he was at the top of his game.
It has hurt him and caused issues throughout his previous few teams. Westbrook didn’t work with LeBron James and Anthony Davis with the Los Angeles Lakers and couldn’t find a way to make things work with Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and James Harden with the Los Angeles Clippers.
DENVER, COLORADO – SEPTEMBER 26: Russell Westbrook #4 of the Denver Nuggets fields questions during Denver Nuggets Media Day at Ball Arena on September 26, 2024 in Denver, Colorado. Westbrook praised the Nuggets but went after his previous teams.
Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images
Each team did give him chances to succeed but the play of Westbrook has been declining for a few years now. While he can still be successful, he will need to fully buy into whatever role the Nuggets give him this season.
Westbrook also insisted that he won’t change who he is during the introductory press conference.
“I never gonna change who I am,” Westbrook insisted. “I’m not going to change anything about me. My intensity, I think that people confuse intensity with competitiveness. When I’m off the floor, I don’t wanna be walking around shaking hands, kissing babies. I don’t really wanna do that. I’m there to, excuse my language, kick some ass.”
Denver will be looking to get back to the mountaintop after falling short of winning back-to-back titles. This could be one of the final chances that Westbrook has to finally win a championship so may be in his best interest to put his head down and just work within the limits of the Nuggets roster.
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